Capt. J.E. Richardson said the sheriff's office wants the public to know about the change in advance so people can identify working deputies in their new outfits.

Richardson said the sheriff's office changed the uniforms partly because of color coordination issues. He said it was getting increasingly difficult to find tan pants when replacing uniforms that matched the shade of the pants being worn.

The new uniforms will look similar in style and color to those worn by the Virginia State Police, except state troopers wear gray shirts. Both will wear the same style of navy blue winter coat.

The new uniforms are being paid for with drug asset forfeiture funds, Richardson said. *